ERIE, Pa. — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of northwest Pennsylvania, warning residents of heavy snowfall, strong wind gusts, and hazardous travel conditions beginning early Thursday morning and lasting through Friday evening.
Advisory Details and Affected Areas
According to the NWS Pittsburgh Office, the advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. Thursday through 7 p.m. Friday and includes Mercer, Venango, and Forest counties. Forecasters predict total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches, with localized amounts potentially higher in areas affected by lake-effect snow bands.
Winds could gust up to 40 mph, creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, particularly in open and rural areas. The weather service warned that travel could be very difficult, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
“Scattered snow showers will become more numerous Thursday into Friday,” the NWS statement read. “Persistent lake-effect snow bands may develop, creating low visibility and slippery roads. If conditions worsen, an upgrade to a Lake Effect Snow Warning may be issued.”
Travel and Safety Concerns
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is urging drivers to slow down, maintain safe following distances, and use extra caution on icy bridges and overpasses. Motorists can check current travel conditions by calling 511 or visiting 511PA.com.
The NWS also advised residents to watch for icy surfaces on sidewalks, driveways, and steps, which can lead to slips and falls.
“Be prepared for slippery roads,” the alert added. “If you must travel, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and avoid unnecessary trips during periods of heavy snow.”
Expert Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Winter weather contributes to over 6,000 fatalities and nearly half a million injuries annually in the U.S. due to road conditions. To help drivers stay safe, the National Weather Service provided key safety recommendations:
- Plan ahead: Share your travel route and estimated arrival time with family or friends.
- Prepare your vehicle: Keep your gas tank full and carry essentials such as a windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, flashlight, blanket, food, and water.
- Avoid risky routes: Steer clear of areas with heavy tree coverage or downed power lines; if you see one, call 911 immediately.
- Stay put if stranded: Don’t attempt to walk for help. Signal distress by tying a cloth to your antenna or mirror, and keep the interior dome light on to improve visibility.
- Give snowplows space: Never pass a snowplow unless you can clearly see the road ahead.
Outlook and Next Steps
The heaviest snow is expected to arrive late Thursday into Friday morning, tapering off by Friday evening. Forecasters caution that conditions could worsen quickly, particularly in lake-effect zones where snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the NWS Pittsburgh Office on X (@NWSPittsburgh) or via the NWS Facebook page for real-time weather developments.
Stay with HonkNews.com for continuing weather coverage, travel advisories, and safety updates across Pennsylvania this Thanksgiving weekend.